English I (Pre-AP): House on Mango Street Open-Ended Question

After reading the excerpt of the story we read in class, please respond to the following prompt:

Does Cisneros' choice of name for the protagonist seem ironic? Explain (with embedded evidence from the text.

Do not leave your quoted evidence floating naked and alone.

For instance, in both cases, the quote is isolated from the analysis/commentary (poor form):

Esperanza is not an ironic name for the protagonist of House on Mango Street. "Quote from story." This helps the reader see that there is hope for her, which is the meaning of her name.

or

Esperanza is an ironic name choice for the lead character in House on Mango Street. "Different quote from story." Someone named after hope should have a positive outlook on life, and Esperanza doesn't.

Instead, the text evidence should be securely wrapped in the warmth and brilliance of your own words. These would be better (not great, but better):

Esperanza is not an ironic name for the protagonist of House on Mango Street. When Cisneros writes, "Quote from story," the reader can easily see that there is hope for her, which is the meaning of her name.

or

Esperanza is an ironic name choice for the lead character in House on Mango Street. For instance, in lines xx through yy, she says "'Different quote from story.'" Someone named after hope should have a positive outlook on life, and Esperanza's words show she doesn't.